THE ROLE OF AGROFORESTRY IN SOIL IMPROVEMENT .ACASE STUDY OF NYABYEYA VILLAGE DISTRICT.

LATWORO IMMELDA

BEM/28931/1 13/DU

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

AUGUST 2013 DECLARATION

I declare that this is my original work and to the best of my knowledge, it has never been submitted to any university by anybody else or institution for a degree award.

Signed.l~ I~jJ~ Researchçr: LATWORO IMMELDA ol- I I Date APPROVAL

This research proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as a university supervisor.

Signed 4

MR. AMMON ORISHABA

Supervisor

Date DEDICATION

I have dedicated this work to Mr. labongo peter and Mrs. labonga Florence fir their continued support and Dr. Anyadwe Philip and those one have been there since I joined Kifi. God bless you

Ill ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge that my success is due to the almighty God who has enabled me to produce this work and the entire course at large.

Since proposal writing, data collection , presentation and analysis is a tiresome exercise, I had to get into contact with well informed elites for guidance and also published literature by several authors, thus i send appreciation to them.

Special thanks go to several authors for publishing and availing their materials and literature at research centre’s where I had access to them.

Sincere thanks go to my supervisor Mr. Ammon Orishaba who has accepted to take the task of supervising this book.

iv ABSTRACT

This research report explores the role of agro forestry in soil conservation in Nyabyeya village in . The methodology to be used will be both descriptive and explanatory.

Data will be collected by use of questionnaires, interviews and observation. Random sampling will be used to select interviewees’ from, among the district all beneficiaries then the findings from the research will be in position to show the approximate impact of agro forestry in soil conservation in Nyabyeya village Masindi district

This research proposal is organized in three chapters that is chapter one which comprises of the introduction, problem statement, objectives of the study research question and scope of the study.

Chapter two consists of the literature review where different sources from the field were analyzed more especially those which are related to the topic in question and chapter three which is about the methodology of the study

Chapter four was about presentation, analysis and discussion of findings and chapter five involved conclusions, summary and recommendations.

V LIST OF ACRONYMS

FORRI Forestry resources research institute

RAFT-ECA Regional agro forestry training team for eastern and central Africa

RELMA FORRI Regional land management authority

DACUM Developing curriculum

ANAFE African network for agro forestry education

NEMA National environmental management authority

vi TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION APPROVAL DEDICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv ABSTRACT LIST OF ACRONYMS TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the study 1 .2 Cross-cutting issues 4 1.2.1 Statement of the problem 4 1.3 objectives of the study 4 1.3.1 General objectives 4 1 .3.2 Specific objectives 4 1 .4 Research questions 5 1.5 significance of the study 5 1.6 scope of the study 5 1.6.1 Geographical scope 5 1.6.2 Content scope 6

CHAPTER TWO 7 LITERATURE REVIEW 7 2.0 Introduction 7 2.2 Definition of Agro forestry 7 2.3Types of Agro forestry systems include 9 2.4 Aims of Agro forestry 14

VII 3.1.3 CONTRIBUTION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN AGRO FORESTRY 17

CHAPTER THREE 19 REASEARCH METHODOLOGY 19 3.0 Introduction 19 3.1 Research design 19 3.2 Area of study 19 3.3 Sample size and study population 19 3.4 Data collection methods 19 3.5 Data collection instruments 20 3.6 validity of instruments 20 3.7 Data processing and analysis 20 3.8 limitation of the study 21

CHAPTER FOUR 22 PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 22 4.0 introduction 22 4.1 Bio data of the respondents 22 4.1.1 Sex of respondents 22 4.1 .2 Marital status 23 4.1.3 Educational level 25 Table 4.3 shows the education level of respondent from Nyabyeya village Masindi district 25 Table 4.4: response on how long respondent lived in Nyabyeya village Masindi district 26 4.2 Findings on the objectives of the study on agro forestry 27

CHAPTER FIVE 28 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 28 5.0 conclusions 28 5.1 Recommendations 28 5.3 AREAS OF FURTHER STUDY 29

vflI REFERENCES .30

APPENDICES 34 APPENDIX 1: BUDGET ESTIMATES 34 APPENDIX H: THE WORK PLAN 35 APPENDJX 111: QUESTIONNAIRES 36

ix CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.lBackground of the study

Uganda is one of the least urbanized countries in Africa. Close to 84% of Ugandans live in rural areas and are pastoralists or practice subsistence . The 2002 Population and Housing Census confirms that 88% of ’s population lives in the rural areas (The 14 Jan 2003 p.16)

Location of District

Masindi district is located in the mid-west part of Uganda 130 miles from Kampala and it borders in the north, district in the east, and districts in the south and the south-east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. The district comprises of a total area of about 5,000 sq.km of which about 4,000 sq.krn is land area, about 1,000 sq.krn is wetlands and rivers, 2,843 sq.km is wildlife protected area, 1,031 sq km under forest reserve. In 2006, Masindi was split into two districts, Masindi and Buliisa. The latter took up the area bordering , the main freshwater system in the area. Most of the river flow stayed in Masindi district. The wetlands were shared more evenly between the two districts.

Masindi district is generally a plateau land with an altitude of 1,295 meters on average above sea level. Undulating hills with some pronounced high points are spread out in the District. The highest altitude points include Kigulya 1,510 metres above sea level in Miirya sub—county, Furnbya in Bwijanga and Kaduku in . To the west is an arm of the great Western Rift Valley. There are several features associated with Rift Valley formation such as sudden slopes and flat areas of the conservation area. Climate. Masindi has a favorable climate and its rainfall pattern is bimodal. The district receives an annual long-term average rainfall of 1,304 millimeters (mm). The district has three main climatic zones according to rainfall levels: (i) high rainfall zones: These are areas, which receive more than 1000 mm of rainfall per annum. These include, Budongo, Pakanyi, Karujubu and Nyangahya

1 sub- counties; (ii) medium rainfall zones: These are areas with total amount of rainfall ranging

between 800 mm — 1,000 mm per annum i.e. Kigumba, sub-counties, and Bigando and Isimba parishes in Miirya sub-county; and (iii) lower rainfall zones: These are areas, which receive less than 800mm of rainfall per annum. These include , and Kimengo sub- counties. Major economic activities carried out in high rainfall zones include: pit-sawing especially in Budongo Forest, production, production, sugar cane production, tobacco and banana growing. This has contributed to increased household incomes enabling the population to sustain their livelihoods. Similar activities are carried out in areas receiving medium rainfall. The major activities carried out in low rainfall zones are pastoralism, fishing and cotton growing. Vegetation The natural vegetation of Masindi district comprises of forest, dry and humid Savannah with Elephant grass prolific throughout the area. This type of vegetation provides a diverse habitat for a variety of birds and animals. The vegetation cover on these hills is dominated by moist medium-altitude forest, while the valleys contain permanent swamps. The hill vegetation provides an excellent watershed system for the drainage southward and south-east into the , which in turn flows into the Victoria . The five broad categories of vegetation of Masindi district include: tropical forests, savanna grassland and savanna woodland, swamps (permanent and seasonal) and post cultivation communities and communities where cultivation is taking place (Masindi DC, 2004). Water Resources Masindi district is endowed with a number of water bodies. The water bodies of Lake Albert are now located in Buliisa district. However, some water resources stayed in Masindi district such as the Kyoga Nile in Masindi Port, Kiryandongo and Mutunda sub counties, lake Maiha (small) in Bwijanga sub county, lake Kiyanja (small) in Miirya sub county and River Kafu in Kimengo and Bwijanga sub counties, River Waki in Budongo and Biiso sub-counties and Siipi falls in Biiso sub-county (Masindi DC, 2004).

I District Environment Policy - Masindi

2 Soil type Soil type patterns in Masindi are similar throughout the district. Sandy loam soils predominate with clay loams found in Budongo excluding Nyantozi parish. Sandy soils are more pronounced in Kimengo, Masindi Port and some parts of Bwijanga sub-counties. Soil types in Masindi District, determines the type of crops grown in various areas. Domestic Water and Sanitation It is estimated that 52.2 per cent of the total population has access to safe drinking water, Of the 91,259 households in the district, only 3 per cent have access to safe drinking water on their premises, 77 per cent of the households’ access water from water facilities that are about one kilometer away from the household. About, 24 per cent of the households in the district move a distance greater than one kilometer to get safe drinking water. Overall, the district has 968 water facilities (including boreholes, shallow wells, valley tanks and protected springs) available just under 86 per cent are functional and 14 per cent are non-functional. The percentage of households with acceptable latrines is 38 per cent as reported by the district Water Office. Health Situation According to the District Development Plan, there have been some improvements in the health situation in the district. However, the health status of the population of Masindi remains poor (Masindi DC, 2007). A high prevalence of infectious and communicable diseases and malnutrition among the general population, especially in children under 5, still contributes to a heavy burden of disease. Malaria is the major disease in the District with morbidity at 37 per cent in 2005/06, followed by coughs (17 per cent), intestinal worms (6 per cent), and skin infections (4 per cent). Other environmental health issues include acute diarrhea affecting 2.6 per cent of the population, pneumonia, eye infections and genital infections (Masindi DDHS, 2007). Human population numbers and trends Masindi District has a population of about 506,800 people, and the population is growing at a very rapid rate (UBOS, 2007). Since 1991, the district population has grown from 213,087 people to 391,127 in 2002 a rate of about 5.3 per cent per annum (UBOS, 2004). The life expectancy of people in Masindi District is 44.98 years (UNDP, 2007). Moreover, the district also experienced a lot of migration especially from northern Uganda during the periods as they ran away from the insecurity. Being a border district there are periodic influxes from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

3 1.2 Cross-cutting issues Gender Gender issues that are of common concern for environment and natural resource conservation in Masindi District are the dominance of men in decision- making concerning natural resources at household level and the few women owning land. This has been brought about by traditional cultures which consider men as superior to women and the perception that family assets belong to men. In turn, this has led to limited participation of women in the decision-making process; and income inequality.

Environment and Natural Resources - specific issues Masindi district has diverse natural resources, which when properly utilized provide a high potential for sustainable socio-economic development. However, the unplanned increase in population, i.e. at a 5.3 per cent rate which is much higher than the national rate of 3.3%, has exerted pressure on the limited resources. In a bid to increase productivity and household income, various socio-economic activities have been undertaken and these have had a significant impact on the state of natural resources and environment in Masindi.

1.2.1 Statement of the problem

The concept of agro-forestry has been basically developed due to environmental problems because there is serious concern over degradation of environment. The serious adverse ecological manifestation such as soil erosion which is leading to decline crop production which can be addressed by agro forestry.

1.3 objectives of the study

1.3.1 General objectives

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of agro forestry in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

This study will specifically be designed to

I. Examine the role of agroforesry in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district

4 II. To find out agro forestry practices in Nyabyeya village Masindi district III. To establish techniques used in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district. IV. To identify challenges that the farmers face in adoption of agro forestry practices as means of improving soils in Nyabyeya village Masindi district

1.4 Research questions

I. What are the roles of agro forestry in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district? II. What are the types of agro forestry practices carried in Nyabyeya village Masindi district? III. What are the techniques used in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district? IV. What are challenges faced by the farmers in adoption of agro forestry practices as means of improving soils in Nyabyeya village Masindi district?

1.5 significance of the study

The study will enable policy makers to realize the need to check the role of agro forestry in soil improvement in Uganda, for the researcher, the study will help get more information accordance to the topic of the study and if need arise I can use it for further research.

1.6 scope of the study

1.6.1 Geographical scope

Masindi District is a district in Western Uganda .Masindi District is bordered by to the north, to the east, and to the southeast, District to the south, to the southwest and l3ulisa District to the northwest Masindi, the ‘chief town’ of the district is located approximately 214 kilometers (133 mi), by road, west of Uganda’s capital Kampala.The coordinates of the district are: 01 41N, 31 44E

5 Masindi District comprises a total area of 9,326 square kilometers (3,601 sq mi), of which 8,087 square kilometers (3,122 sq mi) (86.7%) is land, 2,843 square kilometers (1,098 sq ml) (30.5%) national wild reserve area, 1,031 square kilometers (398 sq mi) (11.1%) is national forest reserve and 799.6 square kilometers (308.7 sq mi) is open water Approximately 196.3 square kilometers (75.8 sq mi) (2.1%) of the district are wetlands

The district, as configured after July 2010, had population of 208,420, back in 2002, according to the national census conducted that year.-At that time, 50.1% of the populations were males and 49.9% were females. The annual population growth rate in the district at that time was 5.1%. It is estimated that in 2010, the population of the district was approximately 285,200

Masindi District has a diverse ethnic composition of 55 tribes, with the dominant tribes, the Banyoro and the Bagungu, forming about 59.9% of the population. The Alur, the Jonam and the Aringa form 5.3%. The Baruli form 4.5%. People from Rwanda, Kenya, Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have also settled permanently in the district. The average household size is about 4.86 persons, lower than the regional average of 5.2. The population is predominantly rural, with only 5.43% of the residents living in urban areas.

1.6.2 Content scope

The study will be carried to research on the role of agro forestry on soil improvement in Uganda specifically Nyabyeya village Masindi district

6 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter will deal with a review of the related literature which is formulated according to both the general and specific objectives of the study.

2.lDefinition of soil

Soil is one of the three major natural resources, alongside air and water. It is one of the marvelous products of nature and without which there would be no life.

Soil is made up of three main components — minerals that come from rocks below or nearby, organic matter which is the remains of plants and animals that use the soil, and the living organisms that reside in the soil.( Ange and kasolo 2001)

The proportion of each of these is important in determining the type of soil that is present. But other factors such as climate, vegetation, time, the surrounding terrain, and even human activities

(like, farming, grazing, gardening .), are also important in influencing how soil is formed and the types of soil that occur in a particular landscape.( ICRAF 2001)

Soil can form from the rocks below or from rocks a very long distance away perhaps being carried by wind or water. The glaciers of the last ice age acted as giant bulldozers pushing truly huge amounts of soil along as they grew and dropping the soil as they melted.(ICRAF 2001)

2.2 Definition of Agro forestry

Agro-forestry is a kind of agricultural practices where by fast growing trees are grown along with a crop. The trees help to maintain nitrogen fixation in soil and also humidity to soil. Moreover trees also prevent soil erosion by wind and provide fodder and fruits. The concept of agro- forestry aims at maximizing the agricultural production by minimizing damage to the environment. In agro-forestry a proper combination of crop-tree is necessary Such as: - pearl millet - subabul large cardemon -vtis Sesamunrn - Kirar.( The state of environment report for Uganda NEMA 2001)

7 The concept of agro-forestry has been basically developed due to environmental problems because there is serious concern over degradation of environment. The serious adverse ecological manifestation such as increase of carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere, global warming soil losses, repeated droughts, floods and pollution are the result of dwindling forest resources. An agro-forestry system will help to increase the tree cover. It also makes available to people the required quantity of timber, fruit, fuel -wood, fodder etc. for which they traditionally depend on forests. Thus this system helps in reducing the pressure on forests and helps in conservation and development.( The state of environment report for Uganda NEMA 2001)

Different areas are also under the threat of pollution such as air, water and noise pollution and trees can guard, from these pollutants. The best safeguard against landslides can be through agro forestry but this requires careful selection of tree species, grasses . The agro-forestry also maintains soil fertility through re-cycling of nutrients and prevents soil erosion and loss nutrients through leaching and run off. Many leguminous tree species fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and return much more in leaf

8 2.3Types of Agro forestry systems include

Agri-silviculture system

In this system, trees species are grown and managed in the farm land along with agricultural crops.

In this system, agricultural crops are intercropped with tree crops in the interspace between the trees. Under this system agricultural crops can be grown up to two years under protective irrigated condition and under rain fed farming up to four years. The crops can be grown profitably up to the above said period beyond which it is uneconomical to grow grain crops. However fodder crops, shade loving crops and shallow rooted crops can be grown economically. Wider spacing is adopted without sacrificing tree population for easy cultural operation and to get more sunlight to the intercrop. Performance of the tree crops is better in this system when compared to monoculture.(The New Vision 14 Jan 2003p.16)

9 Silvipastoral system

The production of woody plants combined with pasture is referred to Silvipasture system. The trees and shrubs may be used primarily to produce fodder for livestock or they may be grown for timber, fuel wood, fruit or to improve the soil. ( Zeleke ,E. and Temu ,A.B (eds). 1999.

This system is classified into three

Protein bank

In this Silvipastoral system, various multipurpose trees (protein rich trees) are planted in or around farmlands and range lands for cut and carry fodder production to meet the feed requirement of livestock during the fodder deficit period in winter. Example: Acacia nilotica, Albizia lebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepiurn, Sesbania grandiflora (Raussen, etal, 2001)

Live fence of fodder trees and hedges: In this system, various fodder trees and hedges are planted as live fence to protect the property from stray animals or other biotic influences. Example: Gliricidia sepium, Sesbania grand~flora, Eiythrina sp, Acacia sp.

10 Trees and shrubs on pasture: In this system, various tree and shrub species are scattered irregularly or arranged according to some systemic pattern to supplement forage production.

Example: Acacia nilotica, Acacia leucophloea , Tamarindus indica, Azadirachta indica

Agro-Silvipastoral system

The production of woody perennials combined with annuals and pastures is referred Agrisi Ivopastural This system is grouped into two categories.

Home garden

This system is found extensively in high rainfall areas in tropical South and South east Asia. This practice finds expression in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with humid tropical climates where coconut is the main crop. Many species of trees, bushes , vegetables and other herbaceous plants are grown in dense and in random or spatial and temporal arrangements. Most home gardens also support a variety of animals. Fodder grass and legumes are also grown to meet the fodder requirement of cattle. In India, every homestead has around 0.20 to 0.50 ha land for personal production.( NEMA 2002)

Home gardens represent land use systems involving deliberate management of multipurpose trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual and perennial agricultural crops and

11 livestock within the compounds of individual houses. The whole tree- crop- animal units are being intensively managed by family labour. Home gardens can also be called as Multitier system or Multitier cropping. Under this system, the same unit of land is managed to get agricultural and forest crop where farmers can also rear animals

I-Tome gardens represent land use systems involving deliberate management of multipurpose trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual and perennial agricultural crops and livestock within the compounds of individual houses. The whole tree- crop- animal units are being intensively managed by family labour. Home gardens can also be called as Multitier system or Multitier cropping. (Russen etal,2001)

Home gardens are highly productive, sustainable and very practicable. Food production is primary function of most home gardens: Structure of home garden Home gardens are characterized by high species diversity and usually 3-4 vertical canopy strata. The layered configuration and compatible species admixture are the most conspicuous characteristics of all home gardens. Generally all home gardens consist of an herbaceous layer near the ground, a tree layer at the upper levels and an intermediate layer. The lower layer can be partitioned into two, the lowermost being at less than I .Om in height, dominated by different vegetables and the second layer of 1.0 -3,0/m height comprising food crops such as banana, papaya and so on, The upper tree layer can also be divided into two, consisting of emergent, full grown timber and fruit trees occupying the upper most layer of 25m height and medium size trees of 10-20m occupying the next lower layer. The intermediate layer of 5-lOm height is dominated by various fruit generally used.( NEMA 2001)

Multi-storeyed agro forestry system:

This system is managed by the combination between cultural practices and the natural processes of vegetation, production and reproduction. It represents a profitable production system and constitutes an efficient buffer between villages and forests. This is common in coastal parts of Southern India where coconut grown with black pepper and tapioca. (NEMA 2001)

12 Aqua-agri-hortipastoral system:

In this system, fruit tees are planted on the terraced land around the water tanks, ponds and crops are grown in the intersperse. The fallen leaves of trees enrich the pond nutrients for fish.

Fruit orchards

Fruit orchards are one of the most favoured agro forestry interventions; they help a farms nutritional and income status considerably. Improved varieties of fruit trees have been increasingly identified and become available; they produce better quality fruit in a shorter time and take up less space on the farm. Research indicates a high production potential in the high lands of Uganda for temperate fruits such as peaches, pears and apples.

Trees along boundaries or contours

Trees along boundaries and contours produce a lot for the farms such as timber, firewood, poles and quality fodder in particular managing these trees is important to reduce competition with crops to achieve a good quality timber. Tall trees provide excellent wind breakers while shrubs planted along contours help to conserve the soil.

Wood lots

Farmers reserve parts of their farms for woodlots especially fields that are steep or less fertile and not suitable for crop growing. The establishment of wood lots helps the generation of products and therefore income on area of the farm where agriculture would not be profitable on terraced land in Nyabyeya farmers are practicing small woodlots for the degraded upper parts of the terraces.

Fodder banks

Livestock production is often hindered by lack of quality fodder while basic fodder is readily available; many farmers find it difficult to supplement this with high quality protein rich fodder which is good for high milk production. Small trees or selected shrubs can be planted along contours or block. (Fodder bank).

13 Live fences

Live fences enable the farmers to demarcate their boundaries and protect their homestead, gardens, fruit orchards or other valuables. Live fences are cheap, easy to establish and often contain trees or shrubs with valuable products.

2.4 Aims of Agro forestry

1) To manage land efficiently so that its productivity is increased and restored. 2) To use available resources efficiently and economically 3) To generate employment opportunities for rural peoples. 4) To provide raw material for small cottage industries in rural areas. 5) To raise the supply of fuel in the rural areas at convenient distance for consumer. In India 70 million tons of dried cow dung is used every year, which can be diverted for natural organic fertilizer moreover undue pressure is on traditional forest for obtaining fuel wood. 6) Agro-forestry aims to raise the supply for small timber used by villages for agricultural implements, house construction and other domestic purposes. In this way Agro forestry can meet this requirement of the rural population and reduce pressure on forest. 7) One of the main objectives of Agro forestry is to raise the production of food crops, legumes and tuber to meet the rapidly growing food requirements of the Indian population. 8) Agro forestry aims at promoting production of, vegetables, pulses, milk and meat. Thus it can raise the Nutritional value of food, which is urgently, require for mankind in our country. Average Indian gets 2000 calories when 3000 calories require per day. 9) Agro-forestry program helps in obtaining an ecological balance in rural areas and thus it may be consider a matter of great significance for a country like India. 10) Preservation of humidity in cultivable lands and check soil erosion. Increase productivity of land. In drought prone areas Agro forestry reduces insecurity of the agriculture; in such areas the dual system of production of tree and grasses ensures stability with productivity of land, 11) Supply of fodder for vast population of livestock. For proper feeding to livestock

14 increase supply of fodder is urgently required. Large supply of milk and meat is achieved from livestock and poultry when fodder and feeding is proportion

THE ROLE OF AGROFORESTRY

Agro forestry provides a different land use option compared with traditional arable and forestry systems, it makes use of a good complimentary between trees, livestock and crops so that the available resources can be more effectively exploited, this is a practice that respects the environment and has an obvious landscape benefit. Modern versions of agro forestry have been developed that are adapted to the constraints imposed by mechanization. Agro forestry remains productive for the farmers and generate continuous revenue, agro forestry also allows diversification of farm activity and makes better use of environmental resources. Agro forestry has many merits from different perspectives.

From the environmental perspective

o Counter act the greenhouse effect, constitution of an effective system for carbon sequestration by combining the maintenance of the stock of organic material in the soil and the super imposition of a net fixing wooded layer.

o Better control of cultivated areas of land by substituting for arable plots, the agro forestry plots contributes to diminishing the cultivated area of land. The intensification of environmental resource use by agro forestry systems is not resulting in more crop products.

o Protection of soil and water in sensitive areas.

o Creation of original landscapes that are attractive, open and favor recreational activities. Agro forestry plots have truly innovative landscaping potential and would improve the public image of farmers to society, this will particularly in the case of sparsely wooded areas where plots are developed by planting arable land and are very heavily wooded areas where plots are developed by thinning the existing forest.

15 o Improvement of biodiversity especially abundance of edge effect, this in particular permits a synergistic improvement by favoring the habitant. The integrated protection of crops by their association with trees is to stimulate the hyper parasite population of crops.

o Recovery of some of the leached or drained nutrients by the deep roots of the trees enrichments of the soil organic matter by tree litter and by dead roots of the trees.

o Protection of intercrops and animals by the trees which have a wind break effect providing shelter from the sun, from the rain, from the wind holding the soil in place and stimulating soil micro fauna and micro flora.

From the forestry perspective

o Guaranteed following and tree care due to the arable intercropping activity in particular protection against the risk of fire in susceptible areas with pastoralism or with intercrops like winter cereals or vine.

o Agro forestry plantations on arable land allows the development of a quality wood resource that complements rather than competes with the products from traditionally exploited substitute for tropical saw long which soon decline in availability and quality. Tree species that are little used in forestry but are of high value could be grown in agro forestry systems, service tree, pear trees, walnut trees, wild cherry trees, common sorbs, maple trees, panlownias and tulip trees.

o Improvemenent in the quality of wood produced because the trees are not subjected to cycles of competition and thinning.

o Acceleration of the diameter growth of the trees by wide spacing.

o Improvement to the development of natural resources. The total wood and arabic production from an agro forestry plot is greater than the separate cropping pattern on the same area of land, this effect results from the stimulation of complememtarity between crops, trees and livestock on agro forestry plots, thus weeds which are spontaneously present in young forestry plantation are replaced by harvested crops or pasture maintenance is less costly and environmental resources are used efficiently.

16 From the arable perspective

In silvo pastoral plots, fodder units can be available at different dates compared to full cropped plots extending the grazing calendar.

o Possibility of combining the interest of the owner (for an inheritance of wood) and farm (for access to cultivated land). Possible remuneration for the arable farmer for looking after trees.

e Diversification of the activities of arable farmers with the building up of an inheritance of valuable trees without disrupting the revenue from those plots which have been planted.

o An alternative to full reforestation of arable land permitting the continuation of arable activity on land whose arable potential is therefore conserved. The tree components can be reversed, the plot stays clean (free from scrub) and is easy to destump when the trees are clear felled. (The stumps are in line and few in number).

o Reduction of the capital cost of the plantation by reducing the number of trees planted with no commercial future, a large reduction in the maintenance costs of the plantation is due to the presence of the intercrops.

3.1.3 CONTRIBUTION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN AGRO FORESTRY

When carrying out extension or promoting new methods of agro forestry the indigenous or local knowledge possessed by the farmers should be taken seriously if such a technology is to be accepted, this is because farmers have been practicing agro forestry for a long time and have important relevant information about different local tree species. In region for example farmers have been planting ficus natalensis (Mutuba) for back cloth and protection of bananas against excessive sunlight therefore they have a lot of information to offer through experience on the merits and demerits of this tree species using the local knowledge to identify the selected indigenous species is crucial because it has noticed that indigenous species are more resistant to local pest and diseases than are exotic types.

Traditional or indigenous knowledge must be placed first in order to improve agro forestry practices and to develop new ones however the indigenous knowledge must be traced because

17 it’s dynamic and has evolved over a very long time. Local farmers have better understanding of local agro-ecosystems knowledge that will increasingly be needed by scientist to develop appropriate interventions for locating specific conditions. Local ecologic or socio-economic knowledge or indigenous knowledge can be collected through house hold interviews, focus group discussions and it is important in the adaptation of agro forestry practices.

It has been noticed in Nyabyeya village that farmers fear that some trees may attract birds for example weaver birds that may damage their crops. Through experience the farmers have discovered that some trees for example eucalyptus on dry land if not well explained may not be successful, the local people have a lot of indigenous knowledge in as far as herbal medicine from trees is concerned. This knowledge could be taken advantage of in order to retain or plant more of such multipurpose trees for example tree species like Muluza could be promoted as herb for both humans and animals, for firewood and shade trees.

Rochelean (1988) and Okajia (1996) noted that the people who live in an area use its resources possesses valuable knowledge about their land and its uses therefore field workers can develop successful agro forestry systems if they are unable to learn from and improve upon indigenous knowledge and practices combining their own efforts with local experiments before developing an agro forestry extension and training programs there must be thorough analysis, synthesis and compilation of current indigenous knowledge on the existing agro forestry practices (workman et al 2003). This knowledge should gradually combined with agro forestry knowledge of multipurpose exotic trees for example Neem and moving trees such that farmers feel secure that the new knowledge is not aimed eliminating their traditional practices given the tremendous variations in perception of or altitudes to agro forestry different land owners, this analysis has to be conducted at every location where the technology is deemed to have significant potential.

18 CHAPTER THREE

REASEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter will deal with the research design, Area of study, population description, the sample and sampling procedures to be followed, data collection procedures, data quality control measurements and then data analysis procedures.

3.1 Research design

The research will be carried out using a case study where information will be obtained systematically using interview schedules and questionnaires. Observation and other related literature will also be used

3.2 Area of study

The study will be carried out from Nyabyeya village, which is located in Masindi district. Selected individuals from the district’s ruling committee specifically Nyabyeya county will be used as a source of information to the study.

3.3 Sample size and study population

In order to get the sample from the population of 120, that is, 30 members from the district’s board of directors that is the chairman LC Iv and the cabinet, 50 respondents from Nyabyeya county, 30 members within Masindi district but not from Nyabyeya and 10 members from other . For easier and practical study, they will be divided into three categories’. This is because members from same region tend to exhibit similar attitudes and characteristics.

3.4 Data collection methods

With an authority letter from the university Head of Department from the college of Applied science and Technology, that service as an introduction to various respondents, the researcher will proceed to the field to carry out research. Data collection will be from two main sources; primary and secondary. Secondary sources will include relevant documents and reports. Primary

19 sources will collect data from selected respondents. Primary data will be gathered using the following instruments.

3.5 Data collection instruments

The questionnaire

The semi- structured questionnaire will be the main instrument of the study to be administered to the selected groups of people. The researcher will use this method because of its ability to gather information from respondents within a short time as supported by Gupta (2000). Moreover, respondents will be given time to consult records to ensure that sensitive questions are truthfully answered (Bukenya 2008:12-30)

Structured interviews

Interviews will be administered to the heads of Masindi district to find out the roles of agro forestry in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district. Structured interviews will be designed in such a way that more specific and truthful answers related to the topic of study are got. Interviews will be preferred because according to Smith (1997), they provide solutions to problems and obtained detailed information on the issue

3.6 validity of instruments

Validity of questionnaires

The validity of questionnaire will be established by expert judgment proposed by Gay (1996). Different groups of expert in the field of research in addition to my supervisor will be contacted to judge the materials .The researcher will adjust the instrument according to the expert’s recommendation

3.7 Data processing and analysis

Data will be collected by use of questionnaire; entered into computer, edited, sorted and coded to minimize errors. Then it will be grouped into tables. The collected data will be analyzed, interpreted and discussed.

20 3.8 limitation of the study

a. Poor infrastructure in Masindi district is likely to hinder access to information. b. Language barrier will arise in trying to interpret questions for people who do not know lunyoro and English

21 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.0 introduction

This chapter deals with the presentation of data, interpretation and analysis of the data of the study.

Primary source used the questionnaire which was designed to establish the role of agro forestry in improving soil productivity Nyabyeya village Masindi district.

Data from questionnaires was checked and edited with the view of checking for completeness, consistency and accurancy.Data was then coded for processing using micro soft word and excel. These packages were chosen due to their friendliness and versatility to handle the data of the magnitude contained in the questionnaire. In the presentation of the findings, frequency tables have been used. In the survey, 120 questionnaires were distributed randomly and distributed to the community in Nyabyeya village Masindi district; all were returned and have formed the basis of analysis.

The return rate is considered very good and a fair presentation of the study population

4.1 Bio data of the respondents

Since sampling was random, the respondents had differences in terms of background. This includes different age groups, education level, marital status and sex.

4.1.1 Sex of respondents

According to table I, male participated most of that is 75% while female participants were few in numbers that is to say 25%. This shows that male have got positive attitudes towards the role of agro forestry in soil improvement in Nyabyeya village Masindi district than females.

22 Table 1: sex of respondents Sex Frequency Percentage%

Male 90 75

Female 30 25

Total 120 100

Source: primary data, 2013

Table 4.1 shows that the majority of respondents were making a percentage of 75% and 25% were females

4.1.2 Marital status

The researcher also endeavored to explore the marital status of the respondents. This variable deemed worth establishing by the researcher because the marital status of some individuals determined their ability to posses adequate information. The result of marital status of respondents are presented in table 4.2

23 Table 2 shows the marital status of respondents in percentage Marital status Frequency Percentage%

Married 60 50

Single 60 50

Total 120 100

Source primary data, 2013

Table 4.2 shows that both married and singles participated equally that is to say 60 Of 120 respondents representing 50% were married and 60 Out of 120 respondents representing 50% were singles respectively. Hence both married and the singles are interested in the role of agro forestry in improving soli productivity.

24 4.1.3 Educational level

Table 4.3 shows the education level of respondent from Nyabyeya village Masindi district

Education level Frequency Percentage%

14,5

Primary and below 17

secondary 48 40

Diploma 24 20

Degree 15 12.5

Above degree 16 13

Total 120 100

Source primary 2013

Table 4.3 shows that 17 out of the respondents representing 14.5% finished primary.48 out of the respondents representing 40% finished secondary,24 out of the 120 respondents representing 12.5% have degree awards and 16 out of the 120 respondents representing 13% have awards in different post graduate fields.

25 4.1.4 Duration of stay in Nyabyeya village Masindi district

Table 4.4: response on how long respondent lived in Nyabyeya village Masindi district

Response Frequency Percentage%

Less than 1 year 24 20

1-5 years 48 40

6-loyears 26 21.6

Over 10 years 22 18.4

Total 120 100

Source; primary data, 2013

Table 4.4 shows that 24 out of the respondents representing 20% lived in Nyabyeya village for a period of less than one year,48 out of the respondents representing 40% lived between 1-5 years,26 out of the respondents representing 21.6% lived between 6-10 years and 22 out of the 120 respondent representing 18.4% lived for a period of over 10 years.

26 4.2 Findings on the objectives of the study on agro forestry

This study was guided by four research objectives. Verification of the four objectives was guided by the conditions which were described the data. After presentation of the results from the four research objectives, observation and interview results were presented.

27 CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 conclusions

The study generated information which can form a basis for agro forestry policy reform, specific issues were pointed out in the course of the general discussion and so those outlined here are of a general nature following conclusions and recommendations were made.

5.lRecommendations

There should be increased cooperation between government and nongovernmental organizations involved in tree planting and agro forestry as a way of stabilizing the foundations of participatory rural development.

People should be assisted to develop compound gardens, these areas of exclusive use by the most households. As a tenure niche, the area has little external interference and no disputes; here every household can make a small start followed by the quick success.

More emphasis should be laid on environmental and responsiveness in schools. Informed environmental education must be developed and exploited also and probably more important in the short run, effective and integrated extension services must be reinforced.

On-farm agro forestry should also be encouraged to test how the desired technologies perform in the hands of the farmers, this approach facilitates the assessment of sociological acceptance as well as biological viability, small scale trials with a few farmers who should be targeted before the technologies are tried out on a large scale, also as expressed by several respondents, fruit trees should be promoted.

28 5.3 AREAS OF FURTHER STUDY

The roles of NGOS in promoting agro forestry in Nyabyeya village in Masindi district

29 REFERENCES.

Allan,T and J.P Lanly (1991) “Overview of the status and trends of worlds forest” in technical workshop to explore options for global forestry management, edited by D. Howlett and C, Sargent, London. International institute for environment and development.

A.C Hamilton (1981) deforestation in Uganda: Oxford University, London.

Anderson. The Economics of Afforestation: A Case Study in Africa. World Bank Occasional Paper Series, No.1. (The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland) 1993.

Brown, L.H (1981). The conservation of forest islands in areas of high human density.afr.J.Ecol.

Bnonavia, K. (1975). Flood disaster in china blamed on vanishing forests. the times, 8sernptember.

Boucher, K. (1975).global climate.london, English university press.

Cleaver, and G Schreiber. “The Population, Environment and Agriculture Nexies in sub-Saharan Africa.” in Agriculture and Environmental Challenges, Jitendra P. Srivastava and Harold Alderman, eds., p.204.(World Bank, Washington D.C.) 1993.

Douglas, J.E.(1967). Effects of species and arrangement of forests on evaporation, in forestry hydrology, London, pergamon press.

Gash, J.H.C et al (1996) Amazonian Deforestation and Climate. Chichester, UK and New York; Willey.

Perlin, J.A (1992). The role of wood in the development of civilization. Forestry journey.

30 Porter and J. W. Brown. Global Environmental Politics. (Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado) 1992.2 ibid. p.102.

Thomas, D.S.G and N.Middleton (1992), World atlas of Desertification; London and Baltirnorre, Md.Edward Arnold.

Turner B.L and Butzer (1992) “The Columbian encounter and land use change,” environment.

World Resource Institute. World Resources 1994-95. (Oxford University Press, Oxford, England) 1994.

William, M (2003) deforesting the earth: From pre history to global crisis. University of Chicago press. An overview by a distinguished historical geographer.

ICRAF, 1993. agro forestry for improved land use. ICRAFS medium-term plan 1994-1999. Nairobi, Kenya. ICRAF.

Katende A.B., Birnie A., and Tengnas B., 1995. useful trees and shrubs for Uganda. Identification, propagation, and management for agricultural and pastoral communities. Technical hand out. No.10, RSCU-Nairobi, Kenya p710.

Zeleke E. and Ternu A.B (eds). 1999. introducing agroforestry: a teaching guide for technical level training and education report. No.45, ICRAF, Nairobi, pp2.

ANAFE, 2006. A brochure; Available at http://www.anafeafrica.org accessed on 25th September 2007.

NEMA 2001. the state of environmental report for Uganda. 2000/2001. national environment management authority. Uganda government, Kampala. P16-17. Temu A.B., Rudeder P.G and Zougrana L., 2001. Networking educational institute for change: the experience of ANAFE, ICRAF training and education report. No. 46, pp24.

31 UFSCS, 2001. Review of forestry initiatives: volumel: synthesis report.

Uganda forestry sector co-ordination secretariat, Kampala, pp23. Agroforestry for Soil Management Author: A. Young, 1997 (Second Edition) Publisher: CAB International, New York, New York and ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya ISBN: 0-85 199-

Aage R. and Kasolo W. 2001. Nyabyeya Forestry College Master Plan 2001- 2005. Unpublished pp.9-Il.

ICRAF. 1993. Agro forestry for Improved Land Use: IC~RAF’s Medium - Term Plan 1994-199. Nairobi, Kenya p.26-27: ICRAF

NFC. 2000. Nyabyeya Forestry College Prospectus 2000 - 2002. Unpublished p.4.

NFC. 2002. Nyabyeya Forestry College: Progress Report for agro forestry demonstration plots from July 2001 - JuneKatende, A. B., Birnie, A. and Tengnas, B. 1995. Useful Trees and Shrubs for Uganda. Identification, Propagation and Management for Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. Technical Handbook No.10, RSCU, Nairobi, Kenya 710 pp.

Nsita A.S., Balikuddembe L.S.M. Gwali S. Sebahutu G., and Temu A.B. (eds). Nyabyeya

Forestry College Curriculum for the diploma course in agroforestiy - ANAFE, ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya 75 pp.

NEMA. 2001. The state of the environment reportfor Uganda 2000/2001. National Environment Management Authority. Uganda Government, Kampala Uganda pp.1 6-17

Nielsen, F. 1995. History of agro forestry. Unpublished concept paper - FORRI, Kampala, Uganda.

Temu, A.B. Rudebjer, P.G. and Zougrana, I. 2001. Networking educational institutions for change: the experience ofANAFE. ICRAF Training and Education Report No.46. 24 pp.

32 The New Vision 2003. Uganda getting too crowded? In: The New Vision Vol.18 No.12 Tuesday January 14, 2003 p.16. The New Vision Printing and Publishing Corporation Ltd. Kampala. Uganda.

UFSCS. 2001. Review ofForesay Initiatives. Volume 1: Synthesis Report Uganda Forest Sector Co-ordination Secretariat~ Kampala, Uganda pp 23

Zeleke1 E. and Temu, LB. (eds). 1999. IntroducIng agrojbrest,y: a teaching guide for the technical leveL Training and Education Report No.45 ICRAF, Nairobi p2.

33 APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: BUDGET ESTIMATES

Items Quantity Amount

One ream of 1 15000 papers

One dozen of 1 4800 pens

Flash disk 1 40000

Typing and 27 13500 writing

Research 1 100000 Assistant

Transport 50000

Grand total 212300

34 APPENDIX II

THE WORK PLAN

Activity Period

Writing the topic January 2013

Looking for sources of data January 2013

Writing the proposal February 2013

Submitted the proposal for the first time April 2013

35 APPENDIX 111

QUESTIONNAIRES

Kampala International University,

College of Applied Science and Technology

I am Latworo Immelda a student from Kampala International University pursuing a degree in Environmental management, year three, Semester two. Before graduation, we are required to carry out research on a topic of our own choice, my topic is about the roles of agro forestry in soil improvement in Uganda particularly Nyabyeya village Masindi district. Therefore here is a designed questionnaire which helps me gather the data required for my topic. I humbly request you to respond to the following questions appropriately thanks.

A Questionnaire for members on the district’S Board of Directors in Masindi district:

Qn) According to you, what would be the best definition for agro forestry?

Qn) Do you think it has led to soil improvement in Nyabyeya village in Masindi district?

Qn)If yes, outline some of the roles of agro forestry

36 Qn) what are techniques used in soil improvement?

Qn) what are challenges faced by farmers in implementing agro forestry in Nyabyeya village Masindi district?

Thanks for your response

A questionnaire for residents in Nyabyeya village Masindi district

Qn) As residents do you think in coming years agro forestry will be different from that of today?

Qn) If yes, why and how will it be?

37 Qn) If no, why?

Qn) which advice would you give to local communities for agro forestry to be beneficial especially for people in villages?

Qn) What advice would you give to government about implementing agro forestry?

Thanks for your response

Questionnaires for citizens from other villages in Masindi district

Qn) How effective is agro forestry in your region?

Qn) What would be your personal views on agro forestry?

38 Qn) Give if any a comment(s) to the practice of agro forestry

End and thanks

39